ECHR rules jailing of Azerbaijani rights lawyer ‘politically motivated’
Intigam Aliyev has been a loud critic of Azerbaijan’s authorities accusing them of cracking down on independent lawyers and other forms of repression.
Secret audio recordings suggest racket in Georgian Government
In a recording allegedly of one of Georgian Dream’s founders, the second in recent weeks, he is heard demanding cars from the founder of Omega Group.
Georgia’s cannabis bill to allow home use only
The Deputy Interior Minister said additional regulations would follow if purchasing cannabis gets ‘out of control’.
Fourteen men convicted in ‘secret terror trial’ in Chechnya
Relatives said they were promised the men would receive lighter sentences if they did not contact rights groups or the media.
Ingush Mufti unexplainedly absent from North Caucasus Muftiate conference
Muftiates of all North Caucasus republics attended except Ingushetia whose Mufti has been in public conflict with the authorities since 2015.
Armenian news site raided by police in wiretapping case
The search of Yerevan.Today’s offices was connected to recordings of phone conversations between two top security chiefs which leaked online last week.
Cannabis production bill on hold in Georgia after Church protests
The head of the Church, Patriarch Ilia II, spoke out against producing cannabis in Georgia, warning it would spread drug addiction in the country.
Top-level sackings at education ministry as Georgia unveils reforms
The education minister vowed to introduce a new model of national exams after firing the long-serving head of the National Exams Centre.
Cancelled rap concert sparks freedom of speech debate in Daghestan
The cancellation of a concert by a Russian rapper in Daghestan and a spat with a local MMA star sparked a debate on freedom of speech and religion.
Daghestani minister questioned over unspent money for Afghan-war veterans
Daghestan’s acting Prime Minister Artyom Zdunov questioned where funds had gone after veterans protested in August over the lack of promised housing.